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This week’s parsha, Vayeitzei, highlights the power of tefillah—prayer—and how its effectiveness is proportionate to the depth of emotion we bring to it. Hashem doesn’t want only our words or intellect; He desires our hearts, souls, and entire being in our connection with Him. This idea comes to life in the contrasting stories of Leah…
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What if you woke up tomorrow and could only keep the things you were grateful for today? Would your list include the basics we often overlook—clean water, fresh air, your health, and the people who fill your life with meaning? Most of us rush through life, taking these blessings for granted. It’s only when something…
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In this week’s Parsha, Toldot, Yitzchak Avinu asks Eisav, “V’asei li matamim ka’asher ahavti”—make me delicacies like what I love—not just food, but delicious, enjoyable dishes. At first glance, this might seem surprising. Why would Yitzchak, one of our greatest spiritual leaders, place so much focus on the pleasure of food before giving the brachot?…
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The Yetzer Hara vs. Bitachon: A Battle of the Mind How is it possible for someone with strong bitachon to commit an aveira? This perplexing question underscores the astonishing power of the yetzer hara. The yetzer hara doesn’t fight fair—it chips away at our trust in Hashem, playing on our fears, desires, and weaknesses until…
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In this week’s parsha, Chayei Sarah, Avraham Avinu instructs Eliezer his servant, to find a wife for his son Yitzchak. Immediately before this story, the Torah states that Hashem blessed Avraham “bakol”—with everything. Rashi explains that the gematria (numerical value) of bakol is the same as the word ben, “son” (52). This teaches us that…
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We can learn a lot about Bitachon from Eliezer, Avraham Avinu’s servant. Avraham makes Eliezer promise to follow his directions and go to the place of Avraham’s birth to find a wife for his son Yitzchak. Eliezer swears but asks “what if she won’t come home with me?” Avraham tells him that if the girl…
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Have you ever been asked a question so surprising, it made you stop and rethink your values? That happened to me years ago on a date when the girl said, “I hear a lot of people where you live are very wealthy.”Trying to redirect, I replied, “Like any city, there are people at all levels.”…
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In this week’s parsha, we read the moving story of Hagar and Yishmael’s journey in the wilderness—a story that teaches us a powerful lesson about how Hashem opens our eyes to see the blessings that are already right in front of us. When Hagar and Yishmael were sent away, they wandered through the desert with…
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This week’s Parsha tells an incredible story about the power of prayer and the difference each person can make. Hashem sends angels to inform Avraham that He plans to destroy Sodom and the entire surrounding area due to their wickedness. Avraham, known for his compassion and righteousness, pleads with Hashem to save the cities. He…
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The Blame Game: A Habit from Childhood When I was a kid, if I stubbed my toe or dropped something, the first thing I’d do was look around for the closest person to blame. It was almost automatic. Maybe you can relate—it’s the instinct to believe we’re perfect and any mishap couldn’t possibly be our…
